Self-aligning, self-guiding embossing template

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an embossing template for embossing design onto a sheet media using an embossing tool. The template maintains an embossing plate, with at least one embossing opening. A tool guide is provided, coupled to the embossing plate. The tool guide has at least one tool guide opening thereon. The tool guide opening corresponds to the embossing opening, such that when the sheet media is inserted between the embossing plate and the tool guide, the embossing tool is moved around the edges of the tool guide opening, pressing the sheet media against the edges of the embossing opening, embossing a design into the sheet media.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An embossing template for embossing design onto a sheet media using an embossing tool, said template comprising: 
 an embossing plate, said embossing plate having at least one embossing opening theron;    a tool guide coupled to said embossing plate, said tool guide having at least one tool guide opening thereon, said tool guide opening corresponding to said embossing opening, such such that when said sheet media is inserted between said embossing plate and said tool guide, said embossing tool is moved around the edges of said tool guide opening, pressing said sheet media against the edges of said embossing opening, embossing a design into said sheet media.    
     
     
         2 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, said tool guide further comprises at least one edge guide to ensure said sheet media is properly inserted in said template.  
     
     
         3 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said tool guide further comprises at least one edge alignment opening along said edge guide to allow a user to visually verify said sheet media is properly aligned within said template.  
     
     
         4 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said template comprises at least two edge guides, configured to allow a portion of said tool guide to partially fold upward, away from said embossing plate so as to easy positioning of said sheet media within said template.  
     
     
         5 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said embossing opening in said embossing plate is smaller than said tool guide opening in said tool guide, such that said distance between their edges forms an opening offset.  
     
     
         6 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the tip of said embossing tool is rounded.  
     
     
         7 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said opening offset is smaller when said embossing tool tip is smaller than said embossing opening in said embossing plate, such that said rounded tip of said embossing tool can engage said sheet media thoroughly against the edge of said embossing opening, forming a sharper embossed image.  
     
     
         8 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said opening offset is larger when said embossing tool tip is lager than said embossing opening in said embossing plate, such that said rounded tip of said embossing tool is able to pass significantly through said tool guide opening to engage said sheet media thoroughly against the edge of said embossing opening.  
     
     
         9 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said embossing opening on said embossing plate and said tool guide opening on said tool guide are configured to emboss an image in the corner of said sheet media.  
     
     
         10 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said embossing opening on said embossing plate and said tool guide opening on said tool guide are configured to emboss an image along an edge of said sheet media.  
     
     
         11 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said embossing plate maintains a plurality of embossing openings, and said tool guid maintains a plurality of corresponding tool guide openings.  
     
     
         12 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of embossing openings, each form a different embossed image.  
     
     
         13 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said plurality of embossing openings, each forming a different embossed image, when combined form a single larger embossed image.  
     
     
         14 . The embossing template as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said image, embossed on said sheet media, is configured to correspond to a hole or wlit punched in said sheet media by a corresponding punch tool.